Sharks are a natural part of the marine environment, and their presence in coastal waters, including those off Gulf Shores, Alabama, is expected. While the idea of encountering a shark can be concerning, understanding their behavior and habitat helps foster a realistic perspective.
Sharks in Gulf Waters
The Gulf of Mexico is home to a variety of shark species, with approximately 50 different types inhabiting its waters. Around 20 to 30 species are commonly encountered by beachgoers and fishermen. The most frequently sighted sharks in the Alabama Gulf Coast are the Atlantic sharpnose, blacktip, bull, and spinner sharks.
The Atlantic sharpnose is a smaller species, typically reaching about 3.5 feet in length, characterized by its slender body and white spots. Blacktip sharks, identifiable by the black tips on their fins, can grow up to 8 feet and are often seen near river mouths and estuaries. Bull sharks are robust, known for their ability to tolerate both saltwater and freshwater, and frequently venture into shallow coastal waters and bays. Spinner sharks, which can reach 7-8 feet, are often mistaken for blacktips but are known for their unique feeding behavior where they spin out of the water.
Many of the sharks that frequent the nearshore zones are relatively small. Shark numbers tend to increase in June as waters warm, with some species retreating offshore in August and September when temperatures become too high.
Minimizing Risk and Staying Safe
To minimize risk, several safety practices can be followed. It is advisable to avoid swimming at dawn, dusk, or night, as some shark species are more active and feed closer to shore during these times. Staying out of murky or turbid water is also recommended, as poor visibility can lead sharks to mistake humans for prey.
Refrain from wearing shiny jewelry, which can resemble fish scales and attract a shark’s attention. Swimmers should also avoid areas where baitfish are present or where people are actively fishing or spearfishing. Swimming in groups provides additional safety, as sharks are less likely to approach multiple individuals.
Avoiding excessive splashing and keeping pets out of the water can also help, as erratic movements might attract sharks. Individuals with open wounds or any bleeding should not enter the water, as sharks possess a keen sense of smell. If a shark is sighted, calmly and quickly exit the water, and always be aware of local beach flag warning systems, especially a purple flag indicating dangerous marine life.
Shark Encounters in Gulf Shores
Shark encounters in Gulf Shores, Alabama, are rare events. Records indicate that there have been ten reported shark attacks in Gulf Shores since 1837. While sightings of sharks are not uncommon along the Alabama Gulf Coast, their presence is often viewed as an indicator of a healthy marine ecosystem.
Most sharks observed in the shallow, nearshore areas of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are typically small. A teen was bitten in Gulf Shores in 2022 while swimming in chest-deep water, with a bull shark suspected in that incident.